Former Senate leader Justin Alfond, a Democrat, announced Friday he will not run for governor next year.Alfond, who represented Portland and did not seek reelection in 2016 due to term limits, made the announcement on Facebook. He served as both Senate majority and minority leader during his tenure.“After careful consideration, we have decided that a campaign for Governor in 2018 is not the right thing for us at this time,” Alfond wrote. “I’ve been mostly away from Facebook for the last few months, focusing on spending time with my family, the expansion at Bayside Bowl, and my work to end child hunger with Full Plates Full Potential.”Several other people, including former Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew, a Republican, have announced their run for governor.Mayhew may face opposition from Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has said she's weighing whether to run for governor or stay in the Senate.Among Democrats, names being tossed around include state Sen. Troy Jackson and Attorney General Janet Mills, along with former House Speaker Mark Eves.The six contenders so far include State Treasurer Teresa Hayes, an Independent who recently locked horns with term-limited Gov. Paul LePage over a bond dispute.

PORTLAND, Maine —

Former Senate leader Justin Alfond, a Democrat, announced Friday he will not run for governor next year.

Alfond, who represented Portland and did not seek reelection in 2016 due to term limits, made the announcement on Facebook. He served as both Senate majority and minority leader during his tenure.

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“After careful consideration, we have decided that a campaign for Governor in 2018 is not the right thing for us at this time,” Alfond wrote. “I’ve been mostly away from Facebook for the last few months, focusing on spending time with my family, the expansion at Bayside Bowl, and my work to end child hunger with Full Plates Full Potential.”

Several other people, including former Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew, a Republican, have announced their run for governor.

Mayhew may face opposition from Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has said she's weighing whether to run for governor or stay in the Senate.